REGULAR MEETING of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY JULY 9, 2024, at 6:00pm PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOM 1405 6310 Wilhemina Delco Drive AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please call or email the staff liaison in advance at (512)-974-3428 or natalie.leone@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Monday July 8, 2024 with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Melissa Ortiz- (District 2) Arlin Alvarez- (District 3) Susan Somers, Chair- (District 4) Daniel Kavelman-( District 5) Edward Smith- (District 6) Diana Wheeler- (District 7) Athena Leyton- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher- (District 9) Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair- (District 10) Deshon Brown- (Mayoral Appointee) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Transportation Commission REGULAR MEETING on June 4, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Mobility Annual Plan Briefing Presenter: Anna Martin, Assistant Director, Transportation and Public Works DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of Hays Commons Municipal Utility District Presenter: Sara Groff, Planning Department 4. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on accelerating and improving our Urban Trails network Facilitator: Commissioner Schumacher bikeways Facilitator: Commissioner Schumacher 5. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on a bridge investment in sidewalks and 6. Discussion and approval of the Urban Transportation Commission Annual Report Facilitator: Chair Somers COMMITTEE UPDATES 7. Update from Commissioner Wheeler from the Joint Sustainability Committee regarding 8. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding 9. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the June 26, 2024 meeting actions taken at the June 18, 2024 meeting actions taken at the June 18, 2024 meeting 10. Update from Chair Somers from the Community Advisory Committee for Austin …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 Urban Transportation Commission The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation- related matters including: streets and highways; transportation energy conservation matters; grant applications; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation. The commission shall: Review and make recommendations to the city council on all requests for taxicab permits, including annual permits and franchise permits. Annually review and report to the city council on the City's transportation system, including policies and programs. Review, study, and make recommendations to the Planning Commission on: transportation-related projects proposed for inclusion in the Capital Improvements Program; and plans and programs submitted by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Receive and study citizen comments and suggestions in all areas of transportation. In its deliberations: (1) recognize the relationship between transportation and economics, energy, safety, land use, neighborhood integrity, and environmental Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # quality; and (2) consider transportation access to health care, employment, education, housing, and recreational facilities. Seek to promote close cooperation between the city council, other city boards and commissions, city departments, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with transportation- related activities so that all similar activities in the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest public welfare. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. Presentations heard with no action taken: Transportation and Management Center Overview Transit Forward Arterial Management Division Overview Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons Congress Avenue Urban Design Project Safe Routes to School Program Equitable Transit Oriented Development Program City Mobility Bond Action Plan Project Connect Update Autonomous Vehicles in Austin Roles and responsibilities of each City department and office involved in the implementation of mobility-related projects and programs Austin Light Rail Update Public Engagement and Strategic Planning for Austin MetroBike …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20240709-005: Bridge Investment in Sidewalks and Bikeways WHEREAS, the Urban Transportation Commission and Joint Sustainability Committee previously supported an investment of $211,386,000 as part of the Environmental Investment Plan to fund short-term mobility goals found in the ATX Walk Bike Roll Plans; WHEREAS, Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20240305-006 noted that the proposed investment should “be considered a bridge investment to ensure adequate funding to reach our short-term mobility goals and that the City Council direct staff to develop a plan for future funding strategies to ensure Austin can reach our long-term mobility goals;” WHEREAS, the Department of Capital Delivery Services (CDS) recommended the City Council develop an Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan, ensuring reliable project delivery timelines and reestablishing a six-year bond cycle beginning with a November 2026 Bond Election; and WHEREAS, current CDS projections show the Sidewalks Program will be left with only $6,660,751 by September 30th, 2025, leading to an 80.35% reduction in the program’s bond spending from the previous year and a likely similarly sharp cutoff in new sidewalk construction; WHEREAS, the 2024 Local Mobility Annual Plan includes over 110 miles of new and improved bikeways that are currently in development with a likely cost of around $73,699,000.00, based on CDS data and Bike Plan cost assumptions, while only $27,019,731 of 2016 and 2020 Bikeways Bond funding remains unspent; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that if the City Council opts not to bring forward a comprehensive bond package until 2026, the City Council direct the City Manager to develop a 2024 Bridge Bond Package, not to exceed $75 million, to ensure the Sidewalks and Bikeways programs can maintain their current operating level through 2027; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission supports the creation of an Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan, and recommends the City Council ensures a future 2026 Bond is integrated with the goals and timelines established in the 2023 ATX Walk-Bike-Roll plans as well as delivers on the promises made to voters as part of the 2016 Corridor Program. Motioned by: Seconded by: Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20240709-004: WHEREAS, urban trails provide critical connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users, enhancing mobility and reducing traffic congestion; WHEREAS, the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) recognizes the value of urban trails in promoting health and physical activity, recreation, safe alternative transportation, and environmental sustainability; WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) calls on the city to “recognize the Urban Trail System as an integral part of the transportation network,” “provide high-quality Urban Trails that can serve all users,” and “pursue opportunities to connect to and expand the Urban Trails System;” Accelerating and Enhancing the City of Austin Urban Trails Network D R A F T WHEREAS, the ASMP and the 2023 Urban Trails Plan set the goal of building out all 94 miles of the Tier 1 Urban Trails network by 2043; WHEREAS, the projected timeline of completing the Tier 1 Urban Trails network by 2043 is inadequate to address the pressing needs for enhanced mobility within the city, environmental sustainability, and public health benefits that urban trails provide; WHEREAS, the current allocation of 0.4% of the Transportation and Public Works Department operating budget to urban trails is insufficient to meet the growing needs and demands for an expansive and well-maintained urban trail network; WHEREAS, the City of Austin has lagged behind peer cities like San Antonio, Houston, and Atlanta in creating opportunities for trail-facing development that helps activate the surrounding community and create naturally walkable communities; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that the City Council initiate the development of an equitable Urban Trails Oriented Development strategy, directing staff to evaluate opportunities to: ● Develop a cross-departmental task force with the Departments of Capital Delivery Services, Parks & Recreation, Planning, and Transportation & Public Works to ensure near urban trials; ● Prevent current residents' displacement and create affordable housing opportunities ○ reduced setbacks, ○ maintenance agreements, and ○ securing trail access for emergency vehicles; staff capacity is appropriately distributed and improve coordination on development near Urban Trails; ● Strengthen staff’s abilities to secure trail easements during the site plan review process. ● Review current building codes to verify if trail-friendly retrofits are allowed on existing buildings and evaluate ways to minimize barriers to trail-facing development in City Code; ● Provide incentives for land uses that enhance trail access and expand adjacent amenities (i.e. trail connections, restaurants, …
Briefing on Proposed Hays Commons Municipal Utility District Urban Transportation Commission Sara Groff, Planning Department July 9, 2024 Overview Consider a request for City consent to creation of the Hays Commons Municipal Utility District Background Subject Property Proposed Development Transportation System Improvements/Roadway Plan City Policy Staff Recommendation Board and Commission Review The Urban Transportation Commission is asked to make a recommendation on the creation of the proposed MUD. 2 Background Hays Commons is currently seeking Municipal Utility District (MUD) creation through TCEQ. Hays Commons is partially located in Austin’s ETJ which gives COA the right to negotiate development standards through various agreements. These agreements provide certainty regarding the regulatory requirements applicable to the District and provide the City with assurance of a superior quality of development for the benefit of present and future residents of the City and the District. As part of these agreements, the applicant has requested limited purpose annexation for the entire development. 3 Hays Commons Location Source: Austin Green Application for Consent to Creation of a Water District Exhibit A-2 CCN Boundaries 4 Total Acreage 497.85 acres Single-family (SF3) 621 residential units (20 1-acre lots) Proposed Development Commercial Open Space 13.84 acres 139.66 acres Projected Population 2,188 residents Proposed Total Bonds $125,000,000 Proposed District Tax Rate $1.00/$100 Assessed Value at Build-out $495,740,000 5 Transportation System Improvements Preliminary cost estimates indicate that the District will issue bonds to finance $13,220,00 in transportation improvements over two road bonds. The Project’s external connections to SH 45 and FM 1626, including transportation network improvements through street construction, traffic signals and pedestrian facilities shall be funded and constructed by the Owners, as determined by a TIA approved by TxDOT. Streets within the Hays Commons Project will be constructed in accordance with the applicable City or County transportation criteria as generally depicted on the Roadway Plan. 6 Roadway Plan 7 Roadway Plan 8 City Policy Regarding District Creation Criteria outlined in Resolution No. 20110217-030 summarized: Will the proposed district provide more benefit to the City than a standard development process, conventional financing, or other type of district? Do proposed agreements include commitments to superior development consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and City Code? Does the district confer extraordinary public benefits such as land use control through zoning, public amenities, and connectivity with …
2024 Local Mobility Annual Plan Briefing URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Anna Martin, Transportation and Public Works TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2024 About the Local Mobility Annual Plan • Began with 2016 Mobility Bond but adapted with add’l investments in 2018 and 2020 • A forecasting tool to provide transparent, accountable list of projects made possible by the Mobility Bond programs • Annualized frequency enables more flexible and opportunistic leveraging with other programs, private development and dynamic needs of the urban mobility network 2 2 Hold charrette with partners to identify coordination opportunities 1 Programs share data on planned projects. 6 Collect and prepare data for next cycle. 3 Develop DRAFT Local Mobility Annual Plan (LMAP) and share with Council offices 4 Release DRAFT LMAP to public for comment 5 Incorporate feedback and finalize plan Project Development and Delivery: Project specific design, public process, and/ or construction notification, installation. 3 Local Mobility Program Success • Flexible, small-scale delivery has allowed teams to move fast and meet 2016 Bond expectations for 8-year delivery: • $119M of $137M spent on projects on the ground • 2016 Sidewalks, Vision Zero, and Substandard Streets programs are complete • 2016 Safe Routes to School and Bikeways programs on track to complete this year • Urban Trails program moved under leadership of Sidewalks team with focus on speeding up delivery 4 2024 MOBILITY ANNUAL PLAN INTERACTIVE MAP 5 SIDEWALKS 6 SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL 7 URBAN TRAILS 8 STREET REHABILITATION 9 SAFETY/VISION ZERO 10 BIKEWAYS 11 2016, 2018, 2020 Mobility Bond Projects Completed and in Construction • The Local Mobility Programs have improvements at thousands of locations over the past 8 years • A map-based viewer is currently under development 7/9/2024 12 AUSTINTEXAS.GOV/mobilityannualplan 13
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 Urban Transportation Commission The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation- related matters including: streets and highways; transportation energy conservation matters; grant applications; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation. The commission shall: Review and make recommendations to the city council on all requests for taxicab permits, including annual permits and franchise permits. Annually review and report to the city council on the City's transportation system, including policies and programs. Review, study, and make recommendations to the Planning Commission on: transportation-related projects proposed for inclusion in the Capital Improvements Program; and plans and programs submitted by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Receive and study citizen comments and suggestions in all areas of transportation. In its deliberations: (1) recognize the relationship between transportation and economics, energy, safety, land use, neighborhood integrity, and environmental Annual Review and Work Plan 2024 Page 2 quality; and (2) consider transportation access to health care, employment, education, housing, and recreational facilities. Seek to promote close cooperation between the city council, other city boards and commissions, city departments, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with transportation- related activities so that all similar activities in the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest public welfare. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. Presentations heard with no action taken: Transportation and Management Center Overview Transit Forward Arterial Management Division Overview Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons Congress Avenue Urban Design Project Safe Routes to School Program Equitable Transit Oriented Development Program City Mobility Bond Action Plan Project Connect Update Autonomous Vehicles in Austin Roles and responsibilities of each City department and office involved in the implementation of mobility-related projects and programs Austin Light Rail Update Public Engagement and Strategic Planning for Austin MetroBike …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES (Tuesday, July 9, 2024) URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 9, 2024 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the Permitting and Development Center in Austin, Texas. Chair Somers called the Urban Transportation Commission Meeting to order at 6:29 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Susan Somers, Chair Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair Spencer Schumacher Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Diana Wheeler Deshon Brown Edward Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ryan Saunders – Commercial Loading Zones/Crosswalk prioritization APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on 6/4/2024. The minutes from the meeting of 6/4/2024 were approved on Commissioner Smith’s motion, Commissioner Schumacher’s second on a 6-0 vote; Commissioners Buffo, Ortiz, Alvarez, and Kavelman absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Mobility Annual Plan Briefing The commission received a presentation on the Local Mobility Annual Plan from Anna Martin, Transportation and Public Works. 1 URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES (Tuesday, July 9, 2024) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of Hays Commons Municipal Utility District The Commission received a presentation from Sara Groff, Planning Department Approved on Commissioner Schumacher’s motion, Commissioner Wheeler’s second on a 6-0 vote; Commissioners Buffo, Ortiz, Alvarez, and Kavelman absent. 4. Discussion and approval of recommendation on accelerating and improving our Urban Trails network Approved on Commissioner Schumacher’s motion, Commissioner Somers’s second on an 6-0 vote; Commissioners Buffo, Ortiz, Alvarez, and Kavelman absent. 5. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on bridge investments in sidewalks Amendment: Commissioner Schumacher’s motion, Commissioners Somers’s second, on a 6-0 vote; Commissioners Buffo, Ortiz, Alvarez, and Kavelman absent. Approved on Commissioner Schumacher’s motion, Commissioner Somers’s second on a 6-0 vote; Commissioners Buffo, Ortiz, Alvarez, and Kavelman absent. 6. Discussion and approval of the Urban Transportation Commission Annual Report Amendment 1: Commissioner Somers’s motion, Commissioners Schumacher’s second, on a 6-0 vote; Commissioners Buffo, Ortiz, Alvarez, and Kavelman absent. Amendment 2: Commissioner Somers’s motion, Commissioners Schumacher’s second, on a 6-0 vote; Commissioners Buffo, Ortiz, Alvarez, and Kavelman absent. Approved on Commissioner Somers’s motion, Commissioner Smith’s second on a 6-0 vote; Commissioners Buffo, Ortiz, Alvarez, and Kavelman absent. Chair Somers adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the 8/6/2024 meeting on Commissioner Smith’s motion, Commissioner Wheeler’s second on a 6-0 vote; with one vacancy and Commissioners Alvarez, Ortiz and Brown off the dais. 2
